JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Mar. 13, 2012) – After trailing 3-0 through four innings, Furman rallied with three runs in the fifth to lift the Paladins past ETSU 7-4 on Tuesday night at Thomas Stadium.

Starting pitcher Tyler Wood (3-1) earned his third victory of the season after allowed six hits and three runs over six innings, while striking out five. Jimmy Nesselt (Plantation, Fla.) (0-2) was the tough luck loser after tossing six innings and giving up four hits, four runs and two walks, while striking out two.

Paul Nitto led Furman at the plate as he finished 1-for-2 with three RBI. Meanwhile, Taylor Johnson was 1-for-4 with two RBI and Harrison Farmer was 1-for-3 with one RBI for the Paladins.

ETSU was led at the plate by Clinton Freeman (Jonesborough, Tenn.) and Derek Niesman (Wellington, Fla.). Freeman was 3-for-4 with one RBI and Niesman was 2-for-3 with three RBI. Meanwhile, Chris Riopedre (Cooper City, Fla.) recorded his first career multi-hit game as he finished 2-for-4 for the Bucs.

ETSU got on the board first with a run in the first inning. With one out in the inning Andrew Green (Powell, Tenn.) got the ETSU rally started with a single to right field and then later stole second. Then, Freeman singled to center field to score Green from second to put the Bucs up 1-0.

The Bucs added to their lead in the fourth inning on a two-run single by Niesman. Freeman led off the inning with a single to right field. After two quick outs, Zach Thompson (Johnson City, Tenn.) walked to put runners on first and second. Then, Freeman and Thompson both advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch. Niesman stepped to the plate to deliver a clutch two-run single to right center – putting the Bucs up 3-0.

Furman answered in the fifth with three runs on three hits. Nitto led off the inning with a walk to put just the second Furman batter on base for the day. Alex Abrams followed with a double off the left field wall to put runners on second and third with no outs. Johnson followed with the second consecutive double in the inning, which scored Nitto and Abrams. Then, Farmer recorded an RBI single through the right side – scoring Johnson from second to tie the game 3-3.

The Paladins took the lead in the fifth inning after scoring a run off of just one hit. Will Miller led off the frame with a double to left field and later advance to third on a balk. Miller later scored on a sacrifice fly by Nitto, putting Furman up 4-3.

Furman added three insurance runs in the eighth inning on two hits to extend its lead to 7-3.

ETSU tried to rally in the ninth, but the Bucs could only manage one run. Kerry Doane (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) led off the ninth with a double to left center. After advancing to third on a fly ball, Doane scored on a sacrifice fly by Niesman. The Bucs were unable to add any other runs in the final frame.

The Bucs will hit the road tomorrow as they travel to Spartanburg, S.C. for a 6 p.m. matchup against Southern Conference foe Wofford. For fans unable to attend the game, live stats and live audio will be available at ETSUBucs.com

Notes:

- Dylan Pratt has now reached base in all 14 games so far this season after his sixth inning single.

- Clinton Freeman has now recorded seven multiple hit games this season, which leads the squad.

- Freeman’s three hits on the day tied a career high which he has accomplished two other times. His last three hit game came on Sunday against La Salle.

- Freshman Chris Riopedre recorded his first career multi-hit game.

- Kerry Doane’s ninth inning single extended his hitting streak to six games, which is the longest current streak on the team.

- With the victory over ETSU, Furman has now evened up the all-time series 36-36.

For more information on ETSU baseball, please visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the baseball link.